A paved road to Col de la Platriere in the French Alps
France, europe
23.6 km
2,220 m
hard
Year-round
# Col de la Platrière
Sitting pretty at 2,220 meters (7,283 feet) in France's Hautes-Alpes department, Col de la Platrière is a serious Alpine adventure. You'll find it just 2.5 kilometers south of the legendary Col d'Izoard in the southeastern corner of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region.
The 23.6-kilometer (14.66-mile) route along D902 connects Arvieux to Cervières with relentless switchbacks and narrow stretches that'll keep you on your toes. This isn't a casual drive—expect gradients hitting 12% and some genuinely exposed sections with stomach-dropping drop-offs. But here's the thing: it's completely paved, and the whole road is a Tour de France favorite for good reason.
Once you reach the summit, there's a small parking area and the stunning Casse Deserte landscape. Definitely take those few extra minutes to hike up to the orientation boards for some seriously epic views across the Alps. Whether you're a cycling enthusiast chasing Tour de France history or just a road-tripping adrenaline junkie, this pass delivers the high-altitude Alpine experience you're after.
Where is it?
A paved road to Col de la Platriere in the French Alps is located in France (europe). Coordinates: 45.3739, 3.7007
Road Details
- Country
- France
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 23.6 km
- Max Elevation
- 2,220 m
- Difficulty
- hard
- Coordinates
- 45.3739, 3.7007
Related Roads in europe
hardIbon de Asnos
🇪🇸 Spain
# Ibon de Asnos: A High-Altitude Adventure in Spain's Pyrenees Tucked away in the heart of the Pyrenees in northeastern Spain's Huesca province, Ibon de Asnos sits at a breathtaking 2,135 meters (7,004 feet) above sea level. This stunning mountain lake is definitely worth the journey—if you're up for the challenge, that is. The route up is seriously not for the faint of heart. We're talking gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll test your driving skills and your vehicle's suspension. The road climbs steeply, so decent elevation gain is part of the package. Winter driving here? Pretty much impossible. Once wet, that muddy terrain becomes a real beast to navigate, so timing your visit during decent weather is crucial. Here's the deal: this track demands a 4x4 vehicle and genuine off-road experience. If unpaved mountain roads make you nervous or heights give you the chills, seriously consider skipping this one. But if you're an experienced wheeler who loves pushing boundaries, this is absolutely the kind of adventure that'll make for some epic stories. Just respect the mountain, come prepared, and you'll have an unforgettable experience.
hardHow to get by car to Ostrog Monastery in Montenegro?
🌍 Montenegro
Okay, picture this: you're in Montenegro, ready for an adventure. You're heading to the incredible Ostrog Monastery, clinging to a cliff face way up at 2,759 feet! The views are already making you dizzy. Now, the road to get there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart. It's a twisty, turny 1.5 miles of narrow pavement, climbing almost 620 feet with an average incline of nearly 8%. We're talking 13 hairpin turns, folks! The road's not in the best shape, and it's often packed with other visitors. Plus, there's not much between you and a serious drop – just some strategically placed rocks. Seriously, if you're scared of heights, maybe sit this one out. But here's the thing: it's SO worth it. The Ostrog Monastery is a major pilgrimage spot, drawing people of all faiths. It's considered one of the most sacred sites on the planet! You can visit pretty much any time, and while entry is free, donations are always appreciated. Founded way back in the 17th century near Danilovgrad, it's dedicated to Saint Basil of Ostrog. And the name "Ostrog"? It translates to "sharp," which definitely describes the landscape!
easyCol des Gets is a classic road trip in the Alps
🇫🇷 France
# Col des Gets Ready for a scenic Alpine adventure? Col des Gets sits pretty at 1,170 meters (3,838 feet) in the Haute-Savoie department of southeastern France, right in the heart of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. This mountain pass is a gem along the famous Route des Grandes Alpes, one of Europe's most stunning driving routes. The fully paved D902 road connecting Morzine (a popular ski resort) and Taninges stretches 18.6 km of pure Alpine beauty. Here's what you're getting into: **Coming up from Morzine:** The 7.4 km climb is a breeze, gaining just 277 meters with an easy-going 3.74% average grade and a max slope of 6%. Perfect for warming up those driving muscles! **Tackling it from Taninges:** This side's got a bit more punch—12 km of climbing that gains 560 meters. You're looking at a 4.67% average gradient with sections hitting up to 9.6%, so it's definitely the more challenging approach. Either way, you're in for incredible Alpine scenery as you wind your way through France's southeastern mountains. Whether you're a casual driver soaking in the views or a road enthusiast hunting for the perfect pass, Col des Gets delivers the goods.
hardThe road to Frejus Pass in the Cottian Alps was built in the 1890’s
🇮🇹 Italy
# Col du Fréjus: Alpine Adventure on the Franco-Italian Border Ready for an epic mountain experience? Col du Fréjus sits pretty at 2,546 meters (8,353 feet) where France and Italy shake hands in the stunning Cottian Alps. Also known as Passo del Frejus, this pass connects Italy's Piedmont region with France's Savoie department—and trust us, the views are absolutely worth the drive. At the summit, you'll find a charming little lake (Petit lac du Frejus) and a cross marking the border. Plus, there's a fascinating layer of history here. The original road was carved out in the 1890s by French Général-Baron Berge, and what really sets this pass apart is the collection of military ruins scattered throughout the route. From abandoned border barracks to old forts and fortifications, you're basically driving through a living history book. There were even minor skirmishes between Italian and French troops here in June 1940, and the area changed hands several times during WWII before finally being liberated in 1945. Now, here's the catch: the French side is completely unpaved and requires serious 4x4 capability. The road quality isn't terrible, though it can get slippery. Fair warning—private vehicles are currently restricted here. The Italian side? That's hiking-only with a seriously steep trail. If you do make it up the French route starting from Le Seuil, you're looking at an intense 8.4-kilometer climb gaining 873 meters with pitches hitting 30% gradient. Average grade sits around 10.39%—brutal but doable for serious adventurers. It's worth noting that since 1980, most traffic takes the 13-kilometer Fréjus Road Tunnel instead, which means the pass stays wonderfully remote and atmospheric.